17 February 2019
Day 8: transfers and contracts
In the wake of Day 8, some schools may find themselves having to adjust their staffing levels. However, there are processes in place to ensure that uncertainty and anxiety are kept to a minimum.
If Day 8 adjustments result in a loss of teacher entitlement, the Teacher Transfer Guidelines suggest that the school:
- uses the workforce plan to identify the subject areas/year levels that are affected by the change in enrolments and the potential new staffing mix required to meet school needs.
- gives staff the chance to volunteer for transfer or to change teaching areas or sectors.
Next, regional human resource consultants, in consultation with the principal, should consult the workforce plan to identify all teachers with subject area expertise that is no longer required to meet school needs. They should also consult with identified teachers and gather additional information about their personal circumstances to assist in making the decision. The final transfers must be approved by the Director, HR Business Partnering.
Once informed of required transfer, the teacher has the right to appeal, as per the Teacher Transfer Guidelines. In the meantime, as long as they are not required to move residence as part of the transfer, they should start at the new site pending the outcome of the appeal process.
If temporary teachers, particularly those who had commenced long term temporary engagements, have their temporary engagements cancelled because of the Day 8 process, DoE should ensure that an alternative school placement is offered for the remaining period of the contract.
If schools gain entitlement to additional positions as a result of the adjustments, these should be preserved for the transfer of teachers who have been required to transfer because of the Day 8 enrolment collection and staffing process.
Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064